After growing up surrounded by the mountains of Orocovisthe marine biologist Edna Mary Díaz Negron She began pursuing a master’s degree in several European countries, becoming the first Puerto Rican student to receive the scholarship. Erasmus Mundusa program funded by the European Union.
Díaz Negrón, 34, is pursuing a two-year master’s degree in the Aquaculture, Environment and Society program. Each semester, you will study in a different country, starting with Marine Science Association from Scotland; then, in the University of Cretein Greece, and the Nantes Universityin France. For your fourth and final semester, you will have the opportunity to select the country where you wish to complete the corresponding research.
“It was like, ‘wow.’ I had always wanted to expand my skills to a slightly more global level, because aquaculture is a well-developed field in Europe, in Latin America. In Puerto Rico, no, (here) it is a sector that is growing now and, for me, this opportunity is very valuable”he shared.
The Orocoveña began her studies in the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao. In his second year in the Costanera Marine Biology program, he did a one-year exchange to Hawaiiwhere he decided to stay to complete his high school degree at the university in Hilo.
After graduating five years ago, he returned to Puerto Rico. He then returned to Hawaii to work on the largest commercial amberjack production in the United States and later returned to the island, where he excelled in conservation, directing the Naguabo Aquaculture Center. Until a few weeks ago, he worked on a project Socioecological Research Institutein La Parguera.
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Representing Puerto Rico internationally and the woman is very proud, it is an incredible experience ”Edna Mary Díaz Negrón, marine biologist
“I was (in La Parguera) as a larval biologist and I was in charge of producing the urchin larvae, or of growing the urchins from eggs to juveniles, to release the urchins in the area where we also transplanted the corals, because the urchin controls the “algae that can overgrow and is to promote a healthy environment for corals”he explained.
Now, as he rotates each semester through European universities, he will train in global aquaculture – the cultivation and harvesting of aquatic organisms, in fresh and salt water, for human consumption and conservation –, regulations and policies, as well as specific species of the region.
“I can transfer the knowledge that I am going to acquire and the skills (to Puerto Rico), and also learn from other potential species. I felt nervous and happy; When I found out that I was the first Puerto Rican, it was a source of pride, (I am) super happy,” she said.
In addition to being a growing field, Díaz Negrón indicated that a handful of women are currently prominent in aquaculture, and that only one of them has an advanced degree in the field, so He hopes that his new venture will serve as an inspiration for young people interested in science..
“It is part of my mission to motivate young men and girls to enter the field of science and also the field of aquaculture, because it is not developedI didn’t come to know about the field of aquaculture until I was in college. Representing Puerto Rico internationally and women is very proud, it is an incredible experience”he highlighted.
For more than 30 years, the Erasmus+ program has contributed to the professional development of countless young people around the world. The European Union initiative promotes “cooperation between universities and higher education institutions throughout Europe, which implies the creation of an organized and integrated system of cross-border student exchange,” reads its portal.
The scholarship covers travel and visa expenses, and also provides an allowance for expenses such as accommodation and food. Díaz Negrón will receive 1,400 euros per month – equivalent to just over $1,500 – which is not enough, so he chose to raise funds through GoFundMeATH Móvil (818-825-0699) and PayPal (ednamarydiaz@gmail.com).
Once he completes his master’s degree, Díaz Negrón hopes to return to Puerto Rico “to incorporate what he learns and expand the species that are being cultivated.”. One of the areas of interest is restorative aquaculture, which serves – among other things – to rehabilitate ecosystems and improve water quality in certain areas.
Díaz Negrón, who began pursuing her master’s degree in Europe on August 26, urged young women interested in science to dare to enter this field, through volunteering and other activities, and to “take advantage of all the opportunities you have here.” , but look further. It does not necessarily mean that they are going to stay outside of Puerto Rico, but the experiences they have abroad can be applied here, and that opens many paths”.
Are you or do you know a Puerto Rican scientist stationed abroad? The story could be published in Protagonistas de la Ciencia. Write to gerardo.alvarado@gfrmedia.com.